Words Matter

A plain-language glossary for the words that shape public life.

Political Systems & Ideologies

Government structures and political philosophies that shape how power is distributed, who makes decisions, and how authority is justified. These terms are often used loosely. This section pins down their actual meanings and explains how they function in practice.

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Revolution

The rapid replacement of a political or social system, driven by collective mobilization and the collapse of existing authority. It differs from reform because it creates a new governing order rather than adjusting the old one.

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Reform

Changes made within existing systems to correct problems, improve performance, or update rules. It can adjust procedures, shift authority, or reorient goals, depending on how laws, policies, and institutions are redesigned.

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Oversight

Refers to the systems that monitor how public agencies and officials use their power. It includes reviewing decisions, ensuring compliance with law and policy, and holding institutions accountable through audits, investigations, and public reporting.

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Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a government, court, or agency to make decisions or enforce laws. It can be based on geography, subject matter, or institutional role and determines which body has the power to act in a given situation.

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Civic Literacy

Civic literacy is the ability to understand how public systems work and how to navigate them. It includes knowledge of governmental structures, rights, responsibilities, and the practical skills needed to engage effectively in public life.

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Civics

Civics refers to the knowledge and skills needed to understand how government works and participate in public life. It includes the structure of institutions, rights and responsibilities, and the processes that shape policy and accountability.

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Representation

Representation is the principle that elected officials act on behalf of the people who choose them. It is a foundational element of democratic governance, providing a structured way for public preferences to influence policy. Representation determines who has a voice in decision-making and whose interests shape institutions.

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Ideology

A coherent set of ideas and values that shape how individuals interpret political issues, institutions, and social arrangements. Ideologies act as frameworks that organize beliefs, guide policy preferences, and influence political identity.

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Liberalism

A political philosophy centered on individual rights, civil liberties, the rule of law, and limits on concentrated power. While modern partisan uses of “liberal” vary widely, the underlying liberal tradition seeks to ensure that governments protect personal freedoms and remain accountable to the public.

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Fascism

An authoritarian nationalist ideology that seeks to centralize power under a strong leader while suppressing opposition, dissent, and pluralism. Historically, fascist movements emphasize mass mobilization, militarism, mythic national unity, and the subordination of individual rights to the state.

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Democracy

A system of government in which political authority ultimately comes from the people. Citizens participate in selecting leaders, shaping public policy, and holding institutions accountable. Democratic systems vary widely, but they generally rely on competitive elections, rule of law, protections for dissent, and mechanisms that limit the abuse of power.